It is anticipated that it will take five years for the building of the Nairobi to Mombasa Expressway once the government has completed the tendering process and contracted a firm to undertake the project.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) said in a statement released on September 16 that the allotted time was sufficient for the major route to be converted into a dual carriageway.
KeNHA further mentioned that many businesses had already begun submitting bids for the massive undertaking.
“The construction of the project will likely take five years to complete and work will commence upon completion of studies, designs, negotiation and closure of all financing arrangements.
“The scope of works and source of financing will be determined once all studies and the necessary arrangements are concluded,” read the statement.
It is anticipated that the project, which would have a cost of Ksh361 billion, will reduce congestion between the country’s two major cities, Nairobi and Mombasa.
Furthermore, KeNHA denied reports that it had already given the contract to a Korean company.
Further, it clarified that it had not abandoned its partnership with an American firm, Betchel Engineering, in favor of the Korean firm, and that both parties were still engaged in negotiations over the deal’s framework.
“The Korean Overseas Infrastructure and Development Corporation (KIND) presented a Pre-Feasibility Studies Report for the development of the Highway based on a PPP model on July 29, 2022, and they are open to submitting a Privately Initiated Investment Proposal (PIIP) in line with the requirements under PPP Act, 2021.
“Bechtel is still working on its best Public Private Partnership (PPP) structure for the project. A US Capital Investment Company (Everstrong Capital) has also expressed interest in developing the Corridor in partnership with Bechtel,” read the statement in part.
The Korean company gave the government a feasibility assessment in June of 2022, in which it stated that it intended to construct bypasses around major towns while it was working on the highway.
“The project will be done as a four-lane from the current two-lane carriageway between Machakos Turn-Off and Mariakani (482) kilometres and will connect the two largest cities in Kenya whose value to the national development is critical.
“During the construction, a total of over 21,000 jobs and an additional 2,573 jobs will be created per year during its operations and maintenance,” Kenya Vision 20130 stated then.
Greetings, If you want your story to be featured/Advertise on our platform kindly call or text on WhatsApp No +254748483572 or email qwetunews254@gmail.com.
